On December 31, 2007, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2800D) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Ana, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent collapse of the left main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot undergoing tailwheel endorsement training experienced a ground loop during the landing roll, causing the left main gear to collapse.
What happened
The accident occurred while the aircraft was being used for dual instruction aimed at obtaining a tailwheel endorsement. The pilot had previously completed seven hours of tailwheel instruction in this specific airplane. During the landing roll, the aircraft began to yaw toward the right side. This directional instability quickly developed into a ground loop. The force generated by the ground loop caused the left main landing gear to collapse.
The investigation
The flight instructor provided a report detailing the sequence of events leading up to the structural failure. The instructor noted that the loss of control was directly linked to the yawing motion during the rollout phase on the runway.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent collapse of the left main landing gear.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 31 Dec 2007 Piper PA-12 accident near Santa Ana, CA?
A student pilot undergoing tailwheel endorsement training experienced a ground loop during the landing roll, causing the left main gear to collapse.
Were there any fatalities in the 31 Dec 2007 Piper PA-12 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Dec 2007 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N2800D, at Santa Ana, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent collapse of the left main landing gear.
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